Female reproductive system

Female Reproductive System

• Variation:

  • Size and shape vary by species, but main functions are similar in farmed species.

Ovaries

• Function:

  • Produce eggs (ova) and hormones (progesterone, oestrogen).

• Attachment:

  • Not directly attached to the uterus.

Uterus

• Function:

  • Where the baby develops.

• Structure:

  • Has two horns (length varies by species).

  • Long in animals with litters.

Uterus Tube (Fallopian Tube)

• Function:

  • Connects ovaries to the uterus.

  • Collects eggs/ova and nourishes them.

  • Site of fertilization.

Infundibulum

• Function:

  • Membrane pocket that acts as a funnel around the ovary.

Cervix

• Function:

  • Connects uterus to the outside world.

  • Has folds to prevent bacterial entry and trap/select sperm.

  • Produces mucus.

Vagina

• Function:

  • Copulatory organ.

  • Site where sperm separates from seminal plasma (in some species).

  • Produces odor as a signal to the male.

Bladder

• Position:

  • Under the urethra.

Ruminant Reproductive Tract

• Note:

  • Pay attention to internal structures.

  • Caruncles are specific to ruminants due to their type of plant-based diet.

Ova (Egg)

• Function:

  • Female egg fertilized by sperm to form embryo.

• Characteristics:

  • Female is born with all potential ova.

  • Released at regular intervals.

  • If not fertilized, the reproductive cycle restarts.

Oviducts (Fallopian Tubes)

• Function:

  • Connect ovaries to uterus.

  • Collects and nourishes ova and sperm.

  • Site of fertilization.

Ectopic Pregnancy

• Definition:

  • Egg implants in the oviduct instead of the uterus.

Uterus (The Womb)

• Functions:

  • Transports sperm from cervix.

  • Supports embryo/fetus post-fertilization (nourishment, waste removal, constant environment).

  • Produces prostaglandin.

Caruncles

• Function:

  • Attach with cotyledons to form placentomes for nutrient transfer.

Cervix

• Functions:

  • Prevents bacterial entry.

  • Traps/selects sperm.

  • Produces mucus.

Oestrus (Heat)

• Characteristics:

  • Behavioral changes (seeking male, standing to be mounted).

  • Occurs before ovulation.

  • Lasts 1-1.5 days in farmed animals.

GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)

• Production Site:

  • Produced in the hypothalamus.

• Function:

  • Controls release of FSH and LH.

Oestrogen

• Production Site:

  • Produced by ovaries (and placenta in late pregnancy).

• Function:

  • Peaks during oestrus.

  • Acts on reproductive tissues.

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Ovulation

• Types:

  • Spontaneous (e.g., cow, sheep, horse).

  • Induced (e.g., cats, llama, ferrets) by mating or pheromones

Progesterone

• Production Site:

  • Produced by corpus luteum (CL).

• Functions:

  • Prevents heat and cycling activity.

  • Maintains pregnancy.

  • Aids in placental formation and mammary gland development.

Prostaglandin

• Production Site:

  • Produced in the uterus.

• Function:

  • Stops progesterone production.

  • Involved in parturition onset.

FSH - Follicle Stimulating Hormone

• Function:

  • Promotes growth and development of eggs/ova to the stage of ovulation

  • Promotes oestradiol production

• Production Site:

  • Produced in the pituitary gland

LH - Luteinizing Hormone

• Function:

  • Causes androgen production

  • At high levels, causes the release of egg/ova from the ovary and the formation of corpus lutea on the ovary

• Production Site:

  • Produced in the pituitary gland

• Importance:

  • Crucial for triggering ovulation